gbọ́dọ̀

Needing to

Level 2

Subject + gbọ́dọ̀ + action phrase expresses a requirement.

How It Works

Put gbọ́dọ̀ between the subject and the action phrase. Objects and other complements follow their own verbs. The modal has no person or number ending, so the same form follows a singular participant or a group.

A requirement may concern responsibility, rules or practical necessity. Compare O gbọ́dọ̀ san owó náà, “You must pay the money,” with Ó yẹ kí o san owó náà, “You should pay the money.” The first presents payment as required; the second evaluates it as appropriate. Context affects their practical force.

Kò gbọ́dọ̀ prohibits the action in Standard Yoruba conduct passages; it does not mean “need not.” Preserve ordinary gbọ́dọ̀. The comparative article's gbudọ̀ is explicitly Ẹ̀gbá.

Examples (3)

  1. A gbọ́dọ̀ san owó náà.

    We must pay the money.

    Payment is presented as required.

  2. O gbọ́dọ̀ dé ní àkókò.

    You must arrive on time.

    The requirement applies to the singular addressee.

  3. Àwọn ọmọ kò gbọ́dọ̀ ṣeré ní ojú pópó.

    The children must not play in the street.

    Kò gbọ́dọ̀ prohibits the action.